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by Joan Phillips
Since 18 years of age I have voted Democratic Labour Party. I am now 62. That voting tradition will not continue if my beloved Party puts Dr. David Estwick in charge. I stood by and watched Verla DePeiza and a small but faithful group struggle to keep the DLP relevant and now we are seeing some light at the end of the tunnel he has resurfaced.
Where was the Doc when we needed him?
For four years the DLP endured allegations of corruption and maladministration and not once did the former MPs emerge to defend their own reputations furthermore that of the Party.
They left that task to the newcomers like Dr. Ronnie Yearwood and others. My position is if Dr. Estwick could not defend himself before, how is he to stand up for the institution now the dirt has stuck? He never refuted one allegation. Never explained why they couldn’t get the sewage off the streets. Nothing for four long years. As a supporter I was embarrassed. But I have stayed loyal till now.
If he cares about the DLP he would remain in the background; the allegations will be thrown at him and by extension the organisation every time he opens his mouth or shows his face. His presence will certainly not enhance their chances. Why is it so difficult for these guys to mentor in the background? To give the Party a chance to resurge?
I am also appalled at the lack of strategy in a man whom I admired. It became pretty clear that he could have won his seat. The indications were not so certain for the then leader Ms. De Peiza. It is my contention that had Estwick shown up and unified with her he would have won and would certainly be Opposition Leader today. We never saw him displaying that cohesion and allegiance. His absence and silence damaged him.
He has now recorded successive losses to newcomers. One who beat him in three weeks. A legacy that could have been aborted. What strategy can he now introduce for the DLP?
There is something about the young Dr. Yearwood that leads me to have confidence in my Party going forward. For one there are no rumours or allegations haunting him. He displays a calm confidence and charisma that can be deceptive – I saw the video of his platform chastisement of Prime Minister Mia Mottley.
Not a curse word, raised voice nor temper. Yet she was put firmly in her place in an almost Thompson-like reprimand. I have listened and read his contributions and he handles himself exceptionally well on a wide variety of topics with no rancour or ill-temper.
His is the name you are hearing and the Party has to listen this time. Its tone-deafness has cost it too much and it will certainly cost my vote in the next General Election. I am tired of the same old. Give the people who they want. Someone who is fresh and untainted. Give them Dr. Ronnie Yearwood. The Party and Barbados deserve no less.
Joan Phillips
Editor’s note: This Letter to the Editor was submitted prior to last Sunday’s DLP presidential vote.
